Speech-Language Pathology

Communication Sciences and Disorders (BS)

erin.sullivan — Tue, 04 Nov 2025 19:51:53 +0000

Communication Sciences and Disorders (BS) erin.sullivan

Tue, 11/04/2025 - 14:51

4 Years

121 Credits

Explore how people communicate—and how you can help when that ability is challenged. The Communication Sciences and Disorders program at D’Youville University provides a strong foundation in speech, language, and hearing development, preparing students to support individuals across all ages and backgrounds. Through coursework, research, and interprofessional learning alongside other healthcare majors, you’ll gain the scientific knowledge and practical experience needed to pursue graduate study in Speech-Language Pathology, Audiology, or related fields dedicated to improving lives through communication.

Job Titles to Explore

Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA)
Audiology Assistant
Rehabilitation Aide
Speech, Language, and Hearing Research Assistant
Communication or Cognitive Therapy Aide
Early Intervention Specialist
Special Education Support Professional
Assistive Technology Specialist
Case Manager in Human Services
Graduate Student in Speech-Language Pathology or Audiology

Employment Settings to Explore

Schools and Educational Institutions
Early Intervention and Preschool Programs
Hospitals and Medical Centers
Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing Facilities
Private Practices and Outpatient Clinics
Community and Nonprofit Organizations
Research Laboratories and Academic Institutions
Hearing and Speech Centers
Government and Public Health Agencies
Corporate or Industry Settings (e.g., technology, accessibility, communication training)

School of Health Professions

Speech-Language Pathology

Why D'Youville

Mission-Driven Learning: Study at a university rooted in service, compassion, and improving access to quality care.

Supportive Community: Experience a personalized learning environment with individualized academic advising and faculty guidance.

Pathway to Graduate Success: Gain the foundation needed for advanced degrees in Speech-Language Pathology, Audiology, or related fields.

Community Engagement: Participate in outreach opportunities that strengthen communication access and equity across Western New York

Comprehensive Preparation: Develop both the scientific knowledge and interpersonal skills needed to support individuals across diverse settings and backgrounds.

Bachelor's Degrees

Nursing, Health, Wellness

Program Spotlight

The Communication Sciences and Disorders program builds the knowledge, skills, and experience needed to understand, assess, and support human communication across the lifespan. The program provides a meaningful integration of theory, research, and applied practice to ensure students are well-prepared for graduate study in Speech-Language Pathology, Audiology, or related communication fields.

Industry Relevance: Curriculum designed to meet current and emerging needs in healthcare, education, and community settings.
Hands-On Learning: Apply classroom knowledge through lab activities, research projects, and clinical observation experiences.
Faculty Mentorship: Learn directly from experienced clinicians and scholars who provide guidance and professional development support.
Holistic Perspective: Develop a deep understanding of the physical, cognitive, and social aspects of communication.
Interprofessional Collaboration: Learn alongside students in nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and other health-related programs.

Areas of FocusSpeech and Language Development
Hearing Science and Audiology
Communication Disorders and Intervention
Clinical Observation and Pre-Professional Preparation

Meet the Faculty

Lorraine Book
1. Associate Professor
Email: bookl@dyu.edu Phone: (716) 829-8486 Office: SASE 032

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Erin McCarthy
1. Director of Clinical Education
Email: mccarthe@dyu.edu Phone: 716-829-7516 Office: SASE 030

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Mohammad Haghighi
1. Assistant Professor
Email: haghighm@dyu.edu Office: SASE 034

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Faculty Directory

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Pre-Speech Language Pathology

erin.sullivan — Wed, 29 Oct 2025 16:52:26 +0000

Pre-Speech Language Pathology erin.sullivan

Wed, 10/29/2025 - 12:52

Undergraduate (BS) + Masters (MS)

5 Years

Building momentum in Healthcare Education

Turn your passion for communication, connection, and helping others into a rewarding career improving lives. The Pre-Speech-Language Pathology Pathway at D’Youville University provides a clear and supportive route for students interested in becoming licensed speech-language pathologists. As a pre-health student, you’ll gain a strong foundation in communication sciences, anatomy, linguistics, and human development—preparing you for advanced study in D’Youville’s Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (MS-SLP) program.

Job Titles to Explore

Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP)
Pediatric SLP
Medical or Hospital-Based SLP
School-Based SLP
Early Intervention Specialist
Rehabilitation or Acute Care Speech Pathologist
Voice and Swallowing Specialist
Accent Modification or Communication Coach
Clinical Supervisor or Program Director

Employment Settings to Explore

Hospitals and Medical Centers
Schools and Educational Institutions
Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing Facilities
Outpatient Clinics and Private Practices
Early Intervention and Pediatric Centers
Home Health and Community-Based Programs
Universities and Research Institutions
Telepractice and Remote Care Settings

$95,410

Median National Annual Wage in 2024
15%

National Job Growth Projected by 2034 (Faster Than Average)
#3

Best Health Care Jobs in 2024-US News and World Report
In Person

Small class sizes for more personal connections and networking

Speech-Language Pathology

Why D'Youville

Interprofessional Learning: Collaborate with students from nursing, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and other healthcare programs—mirroring real-world team-based care.

Hands-On Clinical Experience: Gain early and diverse clinical exposure in hospitals, schools, and community-based settings throughout Western New York.

Expert Faculty Mentorship: Learn directly from experienced clinicians and researchers dedicated to your academic and professional success.

Holistic, Patient-Centered Approach: Embrace D’Youville’s mission-driven philosophy that treats the whole person—mind, body, and spirit.

Community Impact: Serve diverse populations through outreach and clinical partnerships that make a real difference in communication and quality of life.

Pre-Health Pathways

Pathway Options

You can choose to apply to enter the Masters in Speech Language Pathology (MS) degree from any program, but we recommend enrolling into one of the following as the Pre-Speech Language Pathology (SLP) Pathways to best align yourself to the curricular requirements and ensure prerequisite courses are completed:

Communication Science & Disorders (BS)

There are two tracks recommended to set yourself up for applying to the Speech Language Pathology (MS) program. These options allow completion of the undergraduate and masters program in 5-6 years.

Pre-SLP Early Assurance Track:

D’Youville sets aside a number of early assurance seats available to exceptional first-time-in-college students each year. This early assurance pathway allows students to enroll directly into the Speech Language Pathology (MS) program after three years of prerequisite undergraduate coursework. The Early Assurance Program offers a significant advantage to those qualifying students by not requiring the graduate entrance exams while guaranteeing a seat within the SLP program.

Pre-SLP Advisory Track:

Students may also apply for entrance into the Speech Language Pathology (MS) program after completing a traditional 4-year undergraduate degree and meeting all the prerequisite courses for enrolling in the SLP program.

Careers

The Pre-Speech-Language Pathology Pathway helps students build the academic foundation and practical steps needed to pursue a professional graduate degree and launch a rewarding career helping others improve communication, cognition, and quality of life.

A Speech Language Pathologist's Role

Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) are healthcare professionals who assess, diagnose, and treat disorders related to speech, language, communication, cognition, and swallowing. They work with individuals across the lifespan—from infants learning to feed to adults recovering from stroke or neurological injury—to help restore or enhance essential communication and swallowing skills.

Grounded in the sciences of anatomy, linguistics, psychology, and neurology, speech-language pathology integrates evidence-based techniques with a compassionate, individualized approach. SLPs use diagnostic tools and therapeutic strategies to address speech sound disorders, language delays, stuttering, voice and resonance disorders, and communication challenges related to developmental or medical conditions.

Speech-language pathology is a vital component of modern healthcare and education systems, combining scientific knowledge and interpersonal connection to improve quality of life through communication.

Industries & Settings

Speech-Language Pathologists work in a diverse range of settings where communication and swallowing needs are supported. Common environments include:

Hospitals & Rehabilitation Centers – SLPs help patients recover speech and swallowing functions following injury, illness, or surgery.

Schools & Educational Programs – Working with children and adolescents, SLPs assess and treat language, fluency, and articulation disorders to support learning and social development.

Private Practice & Clinics – Many SLPs operate or work within outpatient clinics, providing individualized therapy across all age groups.

Skilled Nursing & Long-Term Care Facilities – Therapists support aging adults with communication and swallowing challenges related to neurological or degenerative conditions.

Research & Academia – Some SLPs contribute to advancing the field through research, teaching, and developing new methods of assessment and treatment.

Job Outlook

Speech-Language Pathologists are in high demand due to increased awareness of communication disorders and the growing need for rehabilitation services across all ages. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for Speech-Language Pathologists was $89,290 in May 2023.

The profession is projected to grow significantly as healthcare and education systems continue to prioritize early intervention, rehabilitation, and long-term communication support.

For more information about the job outlook for Speech-Language Pathologists, visit the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics website.

Contact Admissions

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Mohammad Haghighi

api — Mon, 19 Aug 2024 05:00:29 +0000

Mohammad Haghighi api

Mon, 08/19/2024 - 01:00

Mohammad Haghighi, PhD, SLP

Assistant Professor

haghighm@dyu.edu

SASE 034

Speech-Language Pathology

Colleague ID

0110225

D’Youville University Receives Candidacy for Speech-Language Pathology Program

erin.sullivan — Wed, 17 Jul 2024 14:08:42 +0000

D’Youville University Receives Candidacy for Speech-Language Pathology Program erin.sullivan

Wed, 07/17/2024 - 10:08

Buffalo, New York – July 17, 2024: D’Youville University announced today that it has received candidacy by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (CAA-ASHA), with classes beginning in Fall 2024.

Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) are in high demand due to the growing need for communication and swallowing services across various populations, including individuals with stroke, neurological disorders, autism, and those learning English as a second language. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the field is expected to grow by 21% through 2024.

“Speech language pathologists play a vital role in enhancing the quality of life for countless individuals,” said D’Youville President Lorrie Clemo, PhD. “We are thrilled to offer this program to meet the increasing demand for skilled professionals in this field.”

D’Youville’s SLP program distinguishes itself through its emphasis on interprofessional collaboration. Students will learn alongside peers from other healthcare disciplines, such as nursing, pharmacy, and physical therapy, preparing them for a comprehensive approach to patient care. The program’s practitioner-as-teacher model, combined with robust clinical experiences, will equip graduates with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in various settings, including schools, hospitals, and private practices.

“Our students will gain invaluable hands-on experience through on-campus labs, simulations, and diverse clinical placements,” said Program Director Lorraine Book. “This immersive approach will equip our graduates with the skills and confidence needed to succeed in their careers.”

D’Youville’s SLP program is a full-time, 56-credit program that can be completed in under two years. Admissions are now open for the Fall 2024 cohort.

To learn more about D’Youville University’s new Speech Language Pathology program and how it can help you launch a rewarding career, please visit the graduate admissions webpage for more details.

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Speech-Language Pathology

Erin McCarthy

lauren.innes — Thu, 06 Jun 2024 18:31:19 +0000

Erin McCarthy lauren.innes

Thu, 06/06/2024 - 14:31

Erin McCarthy, SLPD, CCC-SLP, BCS-S

Director of Clinical Education
Clinical Assistant Professor

716-829-7516

mccarthe@dyu.edu

SASE 030

Biography

Dr. Erin McCarthy is the Director of Clinical Education for the graduate level Speech-Language Pathology program at D’Youville University. She has been in clinical practice for over 25 years and has extensive experience in the acute care setting, leadership & supervision, implementation science research, inter-professional practice, and higher education curriculum development. Dr. McCarthy is affiliated with the University of Rochester Medical Center and Rochester Regional Health and is a Board-Certified Specialist in Swallowing and Swallowing Disorders. Her clinical focus areas are in pediatric feeding and swallowing dysfunction, adult neurogenic acquired swallowing disorders, post-extubation dysphagia, and utilizing orofacial myofunctional therapy (OMT) as a treatment modality with patients experiencing dysphagia. Her capstone project for her clinical doctorate degree was designing a randomized control trial (RCT) study that examines the impact that oral care has on the incidence rate of non-ventilator hospital acquired pneumonia (NV-HAP). Dr. McCarthy is an active consultant and expert-matter speaker for Stryker Medical Company and has presented at the regional, state and national level. She is also the owner and Executive Director of Rochester Feeding & Swallowing Therapy in Rochester, New York – a private practice dedicated to the assessment and treatment of individuals with feeding & swallowing disorders from Birth through age 64.

Education & Training

Doctor of Speech-Language Pathology | Northwestern University | March 2022
Clinical Fellowship Year | Albany Medical Center | June 1999
Master of Science, Communication Sciences and Disorders | Syracuse University | May 1998
Bachelor of Science, Communication Sciences and Disorders | SUNY Geneseo | May 1996

Research Interests

Pediatric feeding and swallowing dysfunction.
Adult neurogenic acquired swallowing disorders.
Post-extubation dysphagia.
Using orofacial myofunctional therapy (OMT) as a treatment modality with patients experiencing dysphagia.
Examining the impact that oral care has on the incidence rate of non-ventilator hospital acquired pneumonia (NV-HAP).

Awards & Honors

Award for Continuing Education (ACE), ASHA | 2007, 2011, 2013, 2016, 2018, 2020, 2022
Meritorious Award of Distinction for Poster Presentation, ASHA National Convention | 2018

Links

'https://www.swallowthegap.com/podcast/episode/7ccff685/breath-of-fresh-air-uncovering-the-impact-of-oral-hygiene-on-hospital-acquired-pneumonia?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR0pKxheQ2LmJGhsK8AlvmdKRhnMXBEAQHH7Dzmly5U9kKdb0eOsHIxbMjk_aem_AQKCyx-gvYnyzmtV8i2vo73GxfIXLeDb_2uJXIxLxvejgshEvfAAY0w03WG4RMJX3RhN_qPTCJYgmva17vQ4s43W
https://swallowyourpridepodcast.com/318-the-slps-role-in-oral-health-initiatives-something-to-flap-your-gums-about/
https://medslpcollective.com/clinical-ladder-resource-for-speech-language-pathologists/

LinkedIN Profile

Professional IG page

Speech-Language Pathology

Lorraine Book

erin.sullivan — Fri, 06 Oct 2023 15:00:38 +0000

Lorraine Book erin.sullivan

Fri, 10/06/2023 - 11:00

Lorraine Book, PhD CCC-SLP

Associate Professor
Program Director Speech-Language Pathology

(716) 829-8486

bookl@dyu.edu

SASE 032

Biography

Dr. Lorraine (Lori) Book is the Founding Program Director for the Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology Program and an Associate Professor. She is an ASHA certified Speech-Language Pathologist with over 20 years of experience in the field – providing direct patient service and supervising graduate student clinicians. Dr. Book received her Ph.D. in Communication Disorders from Florida State University where she was part of the doctoral fellowship program: Interdisciplinary Preparation of Leadership Personnel to Serve Children and Youths with Autism. She has worked in higher education teaching both undergraduate and graduate students in Communication Sciences and Disorders as well as serving in various administrative and leadership roles. Service to the community and profession is very important to Dr. Book. She has served on the Massachusetts Interagency Coordinating Council (which advises and assists the Department of Public Health on Early Intervention), the Massachusetts Department of Public Health Early Intervention Higher Education Task Force, the National Black Association for Speech-Language & Hearing Steering Committee for the Northeast Chapter and as an advisor to the Autism Nature Trail (ANT) at Letchworth State Park in New York State. Her clinical and research interests include early intervention, early identification of Autism Spectrum Disorder, the clinical supervisory process, and the relationships between language development and play skills in young children.

Education & Training

PhD, Communication Disorders, Florida State University
MS, Communication Sciences and Disorders, Emerson College
BA, Speech/English, Wittenberg University

Research Interests

Relationships between play and language development in young children
Normal language development
Early diagnostic markers of autism spectrum disorder
Family/professional relationships in the diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities
Clinical Supervision

Awards & Honors

Award for Continuing Education (ACE), American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (April 2021, April 2019, April 2016, & May 2013)
Faculty Honor: Excellence in Student Mentoring, Massachusetts Speech-Language-Hearing Association (April 2012)

Speech-Language Pathology